Ukraine and NATO to intensify cooperation — Vice PM Kuleba

As part of a two-day working visit of Vice Prime Minister for European Integration of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba to Brussels, an agreement was reached on intensifying the activities of the Ukraine-NATO Joint Working Group on Military Reform.
"Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba discussed at NATO Headquarters further ways of cooperation with the Alliance during meetings with NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Bettina Cadenbach, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Operations John Manza and the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Clare Hutchinson. In order to intensify practical cooperation in reforming the security and defense sector structures, it was agreed to intensify the activities of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Working Group on Military Reform," the press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine reported.

The parties expressed mutual interest in enhancing NATO-Ukraine cooperation in the context of counteracting hybrid threats and security challenges and exchanged views on possible joint actions aimed at enhancing security in the Black Sea region. In the context of the Alliance's renewed policy on interaction with partners, the parties discussed priorities and joint activities within the framework of the Alliance's ‘one country - one plan’ principle.

Kuleba informed the Alliance about Ukraine’s readiness to increase its contribution to NATO-led operations. He also announced the development of a new National Security Strategy of Ukraine. Ukraine intends to present the draft strategy to its allies to receive relevant recommendations and proposals.

During the meetings, the parties also agreed to continue the practice of joint military training, including the training of military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Naval officers on the ships of NATO member states.

The parties also discussed the preparations for a visit by the North Atlantic Council to Ukraine in late October.